Norm and Barb Aune: Gifts from God Version 7 and 8

The Chinese, specifically the Cantonese (Hong Kong and Guangzhou), have a fascination with the number 8. It is pronounced, in that dialect, "bat". It thus rhymes with "fat", which is the Cantonese word for good luck. The day with the most marriages in that area of China is the 8th day of the 8th month. Rents are more expensive on the 8th floor, and there is a myriad of other manifestations in that culture that revolve around the number 8. My mother and father had 8 children. It was also Kari's number as she played volleyball at Rogers High.

This Aune family now revolves around the number 8.

It was in early summer that Eric and Kari announced that they were pregnant again, It was later in summer when Kari came to our house after an exam. Barb and I were seated at our patio table feeding her Lizzie, age 3, and Madi, age 1, snacks after their afternoon naps. Kari looked a bit flustered and as she sat at our table she pulled out the ultrasound pictures and she asked, "Look, Lizzie, how many babies do you see?" Lizzie on looking at the pictures responded, "Two." Kari had set her phone on video and she has the responses from Barb and me. My response after howling was, "Where is Eric? Is he at a bar someplace?" Kari and Eric now have 4 children under the age of 4. And of anyone I know, of all people, they will thrive with 4 children under the age of 4.

Caleb Patrick and Titus Philip were born early Wednesday morning, 1/11/2117. Kari, at 38 weeks, was huge.

She was such a trooper during her pregnancy. She worked up until the last day of school before Christmas vacation. She had great color and energy. She was so positive and such a great mother to her kids. Eric as well was upbeat and optimistic.

On that Tuesday, Jan. 10, the rumblings increased and we picked up Kari and the kids. We met Eric at the hospital around 4. We dropped off Lizzie and Madi at Eric's parents, Bill and Patty, and returned to the hospital. Nothing happening was the word. "We'll probably being going home," Eric said. Barb and I went home. Then about 7 pm Eric texted that they were staying at the hospital. At around 9 Eric texted that contractions were consistent but not increasing. Barb and I went to bed. Then around 3 our phones lit up. "Here we go." was Eric's text. Barb and I got up and drove the 10 minutes to our wonderful hospital. We sat in the birth center lobby and waited for texts. "6:11. Baby boy 1." We sent the text on to our kids and Kari's best friend in TX. "Baby boy two just minutes away." Then "Baby boy 2 born at 6:44."

Because of Kari's age, the fact that they were twins, and her bleeding disorder (Von Willibrands that I passed on to her) the babies were born in an operating room with a larger staff then normal. Recovery was ordered for at least 2 hours before she could go back to her room. Barb and I went out to breakfast. Then after a short visit with Eric, Barb went to work testing kindergartners that day and I went home to bed. Yes, strength and vitality runs strongest on the female side.

Kari so wanted her girls to be the first to see their brothers so that late afternoon Bill and Patty brought the girls to the hospital. Eric came out to pick up the girls and then later the 4 parents joined them.

As a guy, even though I've participated in 3 births, well three that I can remember, it is still a mystery that overwhelms me. I cannot identify with the process. As I walked into the room and saw those tiny infants, then glanced at Kari, so composed, smiling in that way that so many Aunes are known for, I lost it. I found a corner to wipe the tears away and said a short prayer of thanks. I then proceeded to kiss the top of my daughter's head and tell her again how proud of her I am. The boys are beautiful, perfect, and at that time very comfortable with their new status.

Ten hours after birthing these babies. Doesn't she look great!

Grandmas don't have to share. Then can each have one.

Madi kissing one of her brothers.

Lizzie kissing her brother.

Then the next afternoon Nathan and Cailyn arrived with their kids to first see their nephews and for their children to meet their first boy cousins.

Jane gets to hold her newborn cousin. Jensen in the far background with the other boy cousin.

Grayson, so intrigued by his first boy cousin.

"What's wrong with his penis?" Grayson, go to your parents and ask about circumcision. By the way, the nurse in the picture has worked here 42 years. She was here when Ben, Eric, Kari, and Nathan were born in this hospital.